From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village

Your day trip starts at 9:00 am from the Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia) in central Sofia. You will board a comfy, air-conditioned minibus and head for a 2-hour drive on the motorway to Plovdiv. This is the time that you will learn from your guide more about Bulgarian history, culture, economy and nature.

As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, cosmopolitan Plovdiv is packed with fascinating Thracian, Roman, Slav, Turkish, and Bulgarian history. With your guide, enjoy a 2.5-hour walking tour on the cobbled narrow paths in the Old Town of Plovdiv. After the guided tour of the Old Town, you will have about an hour and a half to further independently explore the attractions of the city centre. You can have lunch (own expense) or go shopping on "Glavnata"- the longest pedestrian in Europe. You can get entertained by some of the artistic events organized in the heart of the city while Plovdiv is celebrating its nomination as the European Capital of Culture for 2019. A lot of tourists choose to wander in the Kapana neighbourhood - a place with a bohemian vibe, chic bars and beautiful graffiti. The region of Plovdiv is famous for its wine production and in Kapana you will find options to sample some of the local red or white wines.

Explore the well-preserved Ancient Theatre of Philipopolis (local fee 4 BGN cash), a stunning Roman amphitheater in Plovdiv offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Bulgaria’s rich history. The entry is optional.

The Roman Stadium in Plovdiv is one of the city’s most remarkable ancient landmarks, built in the 2nd century AD during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. Once seating up to 30,000 spectators, it hosted athletic games inspired by the Greek traditions of Olympia. Today, part of the stadium is visible in the city center, blending seamlessly with modern Plovdiv’s lively pedestrian area.

Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings as you explore the grandest underground Thracian royal temple ever found. Your guide will lead you into the Chetinyova Mogila to see the striking 4th-century BC stone architecture and the mysterious dome where Orphic rituals once took place.

Just a short drive away lies Staro Zhelezare, a village transformed into a surreal open-air gallery. Your guide will walk you through the streets where local Bulgarian villagers are painted alongside global legends like Barack Obama and Marilyn Monroe. It’s a quirky, thought-provoking bridge between rural tradition and pop culture—and a dream for photography lovers.

After you have immersed in the unique atmosphere of Plovdiv, sit back and relax on your 2-hour transfer back